Willamette Zone weekly fishing report

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STOCKING SCHEDULE

The 2013 schedules will be posted at our website as soon as they are available.

North Willamette stocking schedule

South Willamette stocking schedule

Check out the new trout stocking map

Find the location and details about the many lakes ponds and streams that receive hatchery trout from ODFW’s fish hatcheries on the new Google-based fishing map.

ALTON BAKER CANOE CANAL: trout

Stocked the week of April 8 with 1,400 legal-sized and 400 larger rainbow trout. The Canoe Canal is located in downtown Eugene behind Autzen Stadium. A 4-acre pond at the midpoint of the canal is a good spot but it can be fished all along its 2-mile length from Day Island Road in Eugene to Aspen Street in Springfield. Summer steelhead are occasionally caught in this system and anglers are reminded they will need a combined angling tag to legally harvest a steelhead. It is legal to fish with two rods in the Alton Baker Canoe Canal, provided the Two-Rod Validation has been purchased.

BENSON LAKE: rainbow trout, white crappie, largemouth bass, brown bullhead

Stocked the week of April 15 with 4,000 legal-sized rainbow trout. This is a 40-acre lake located in Benson State Park in the Columbia River Gorge. From Portland, head east on I-84, park is located on the south side of the freeway approx. 1/2 mile west of Multnomah Falls.

BETHANY POND: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, bullhead

Stocked thje week of March 11 with 1,750 legal sized rainbow trout. This is a 10-acre pond located at Bethany west of Portland. The pond is maintained by Tualatin Hills Park and Rec. Amenities include picnic tables, restrooms, and a paved, ADA accessible trail.

BLUE LAKE: rainbot trout, largemouth bass, brown bullhead, black crappie, bluegill

Stocked the week of March 11 with 1,500of April 15 with 1,500 legal-sized rainbow trout. This is a 64-acre lake located in Blue Lake Park 3 miles west of Troutdale. This family-friendly park as picnic areas, restrooms, walking trail, and ramp for small boats. Park is maintained by Multnomah County.

BLUE RIVER RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater species

Stocked the week of April 8 with 3,000 legal-sized rainbow trout. Blue River Reservoir is located east of Eugene near the town of Blue River, north of Highway 126 and is open to year-round fishing. The Reservoir will be stocked this week with 3,500 legal sized rainbow trout.

CANBY POND: rainbow trout

Stocked the week of April 15 withy 500 legal-sized and 100 larger trout. Canby Pond is a 1-acre pond located on the south end of Canby in Canby City Park. The park is south of Hwy 99E and adjacent to the Molalla River. Angling restricted to youth age 17 and under or holders of one of the Disabled Anglers permits.

CARMEN RESERVOIR: trout

Carmen Reservoir is accessed via FS Road 750 off Hwy 126, about 2 miles south of Clear Lake, and is open all year. Motor boats are prohibited on Carmen Reservoir.

CLACKAMAS RIVER: winter steelhead, summer steelhead

Anglers are finding fair to good success for summer steelhead in the Clackamas while still hooking into a few late winters, some dark and some decent. The fish are spread throughout the river from McIver Park down to Gladstone so both boat and bank anglers have plenty of water to choose from. A couple of wild springers have been landed in the lower Clackamas and with a few hatchery chinook now being landed by Melrum Bar bank anglers it won’t be long before some move into the Clackamas River.

Tuesday hydrological data for the Clackamas has flows down to 3,390 cfs, with a gauge height in Estacada of 12.95 ft. and the water temperature holding near 43°.

Barbless hooks are now required from the mouth to the 99E Bridge when fishing for salmon, steelhead and trout.

COAST FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER: trout

The Coast Fork of the Willamette River is open to catch-and-release fishing only, using artificial flies and lures. It will open to harvest angling April 27.

COMMONWEALTH LAKE: trout, bass, bluegill, crappie

This is a three-acre stocked lake within the Commonwealth Lake Park in Beaverton, Oregon. Commonwealth Park is maintained by Tualatin Hills Park and Rec. Amenities include ADA accessible trail, picnic tables, playground, restrooms.

COTTAGE GROVE POND: trout, warmwater species

Stocked the week of April 8 with 2,000 legal-sized rainbow trout. To access the pond, travel east from Cottage Grove on Row River Road. Cottage Grove Pond is located behind the truck scales and may be accessed via an asphalt pathway. Only the pond with the dock is stocked with hatchery trout.

COTTAGE GROVE RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater species

Will be stocked this week with 4,500 legal-sized rainbow trout. Warmwater fish and holdover trout are available to anglers. The reservoir is south of Cottage Grove.

NOTICE: The Oregon Health Authority has issued a health advisory updating information about eating fish caught in Cottage Grove Reservoir. Under the advisory issued June 5, 2012 people can safely consume up to nine meals per month of hatchery-grown rainbow trout month that are 12 inches in length or less. People can distinguish hatchery-grown rainbow trout by the absence of the adipose fin, which is clipped before hatchery fish are released into streams and reservoirs. Despite the new exception for rainbow trout, mercury contamination for resident warm-water fish, including bass, bluegill, crappie and bullhead continues to be a concern. Women of childbearing age, particularly pregnant or breastfeeding women, children under six years of age and persons having liver or kidney ailments should avoid eating any fish from this reservoir other than rainbow trout. Healthy women beyond childbearing age, other healthy adults and healthy children six years of age and older should eat no more than one 8-ounce meal of fish other than rainbow trout per month.

CRESWELL POND (GARDEN LAKE): trout, warmwater

Garden Lake (Creswell Pond) was last stocked for the season the week of April 1. Garden Lake (Creswell Pond) is located in Garden Lake Park on the east side of I-5 in Creswell.

DETROIT RESERVOIR: trout, kokanee

Located 50 miles east of Salem, this large lake (approx. 3,000 acres at full pool) receives over 100,000 trout throughout the year. The reservoir will be stocked again this week with 20,000 legal sized rainbow trout. The water level is currently 17 feet below full pool (as of April 15). The Mongold-Low boat ramp is the only ramp in the water; exercise caution when launching. Check with local outfitters in the town of Detroit to find out more.

DEXTER RESERVOIR: trout

Stocked the week of April 8 with 2,900 legal-sized rainbow trout. Dexter Reservoir is adjacent to Highway 58 near Lowell and is open all year.

DORENA RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater

Dorena Reservoir was recently stocked with 6,000 rainbow trout. Dorena Reservoir is east of Cottage Grove on Row River Road and is open all year.

DORMAN POND: trout

Stocked the week of March 11 with 2,000 legal-sized rainbow trout. This is an 8-acre pond west of Forest Grove at the junction of Hwy. 8 and Hwy. 6

EAGLE CREEK: winter steelhead

The Eagle Creek winter steelhead fishery is about over for this spring but anglers can anticipate the return of spring chinook in the next month or so from 240,000 smolts released annually at the Eagle Fern Park acclimation facility.

Long stretches of Eagle Creek run through private property, particularly up near the hatchery and from an area below the lower ladder on down past Bonnie Lure to the mouth. Anglers are advised to pay close attention to where you fish and we encourage you to ask permission prior to accessing or crossing private lands on your way to your favorite fishing hole. See Page 15 of the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulation pamphlet for more information on “Your Rights to Use the Surface, Bed, and Banks of Oregon’s Rivers and Lakes.”

EAST FREEWAY LAKE: trout, bass, bluegill, crappie

This pond features some good size bass and crappie. A boat ramp is available. Freeway Lakes will be stocked this week with 800 legal and 100 larger size rainbow trout. To get there take the State Police exit in Albany and follow the frontage road south (3 Lakes Road) for several miles.

EE WILSON POND: trout, bluegill

EE Wilson Pond reopened for fishing Friday, Feb. 1 and has been stocked several times already. It will be stocked again this week with 2,000 legal, 300 larger and 25 trophy-size rainbow trout. Anglers can expect crowded conditions for a while so please exercise courtesy while enjoying this fabulous fishing opportunity. Also be reminded that permits are required when parking anywhere at EE Wilson Wildlife Area.

ESTACADA Lake: trout, steelhead, chinook, coho

Last stocked in mid-September with 1,750 legal-sized rainbow trout. This is a supplemental stocking to the Aug. 27 release of 3,200 legal-sized rainbow trout. Estacada is a 150-acre reservoir on the Clackamas River behind River Mill Dam. There is a fishing dock and ADA-accessible fishing platform that provide the only non-boating access. There is a boat ramp in Milo McIver State Park at the lower end of the reservoir, picnic areas, and restrooms. There is a fee for entering the park.

FERN RIDGE RESERVOIR: largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, brown bullhead

This 9,000 acre lake just 12 miles west of Eugene is the Willamette Basin’s largest water body. It has four boat ramps and there is good bank angling along the dam and at the shoreline parks. The reservoir is slowly filling and is currently 7 feet below full as of April 15, which leaves Orchard Point Park with the only usable boat ramp at this time. For local information regarding the lake, contact the Lane County Parks Department at 541-682-2000.

This lake is mostly shallow with a band of deep water from the original channel of the Long Tom River. The reservoir produces crappie over 12 inches and bass angling has been very good in recent years. Best time of year for crappie is in spring after the water temperature reaches the mid-50s, but fish can still be found in deeper water year round. July and August are peak months for largemouth bass. Fish the shoreline along the southern part of the reservoir, especially the sloughs and inlets where there is underwater structure.

FOSTER RESERVOIR: trout, bass, perch, catfish

This scenic 1,200-acre reservoir on the South Santiam River is located just 30 minutes from Interstate 5. There is good bank access at several rest stops and campgrounds, and two seasonal boat ramps. It will be stocked again this week with 3,000 rainbow trout. Please remember that only kokanee and adipose fin-clipped trout may be taken and there are no limits on size or number of bass. Currently the reservoir is 7 feet below full pool (as of April 15). From I-5 take US 20 east from Albany to the town of Sweet Home. The reservoir is 3 miles past the town on the left.

GREEN PETER RESERVOIR: kokanee, trout, bass

This large reservoir east of Sweet Home is a premier kokanee fishery with a bag limit of 25 fish per day. It also supports stocked rainbow trout and some large smallmouth bass. Reservoir levels are approximately 22 feet below full pool (as of April 15) and the Thistle Creek boat ramp remains open. It is scheduled to be stocked this week with 9,000 legal rainbow trout.

HARRIET LAKE: trout

Stocked the week of April 15 with 4,000 legal-sized rainbow trout. This is a 23-acre reservoir on the Oak Grove Fork of the Clackamas River within the Mount Hood National Forest.

HARTMAN POND: trout, bass, crappie, perch

Stocked the week of April 15 with 1,750 legal-sized rainbow trout. This is a small fishing pond in the Columbia River Gorge just off I-84 at Benson State Park.

HENRY HAGG LAKE: rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, brown bullhead, yellow bullhead, native cutthroat trout

Stocked the week of April 15 with 7,000 legal-sized trout. The lake was stocked with 18,000 legal-sized rainbow trout the first week of March. An additional 400 brood trout weighing 5-15 pounds apiece were released while the lake was closed in December and January and will be a nice prize for anglers fortunate enough to catch one. Remember, the limit on trout 20 inches or more is one per day. Hennry Hagg is a 1,110-acre lake seven miles southwest of Forest Grove. Maintained and operated by Washington County, the park features numerous picnic areas, two boat launching facilities, more than 15 miles of hiking trails, and observation decks for wildlife and bird watching.

HILLS CREEK RESERVOIR: trout, warmwater

Hills Creek Reservoir will benefit from an unscheduled release of 2,700 legal sized rainbow trout this week. This reservoir is open to fishing all year. All non-adipose fin-clipped trout and salmon must be released unharmed.

HILLS CREEK above HILLS CREEK RESERVOIR: trout

Hills Creek is closed to angling until April 27, 2013.

HUDDLESTON POND: trout, bass, bluegill

Stocked the week of April 1 with 1,200 legal-sized rainbow trout and 200 one-pound rainbow trout. This is a 5-acre pond located within Huddleston Pond Park in the city of Willamina, Ore. A former mill pond, it contains woody debris that provides habitat for bass and bluegill. It reaches a maximum depth of about 10 feet, with shallow "kid-friendly" edges. It is ADA accessible in places, with a restroom and picnic areas nearby. There is paved parking lot and small ramp for people who want to launch small, non-motorized boats.

JUNCTION CITY POND: trout, crappie

This prime fishing pond was stocked several times in January and February ranging from legal-size up to ‘pounders’. It will be stocked this week with 1,200 legal and 250 larger size rainbow trout. Casting spinners and plunking with PowerBait can be effective strategies for these fish. Junction City pond is located about 2 miles south of Junction City on 99W on the west side of the highway. There is excellent access around the entire 8-acre pond. As a reminder, zone regulations apply: five trout daily may be kept and only one over 20 inches. The steelhead stocked a couple of months ago are considered ‘trout’ and the ‘only-one-over-20-inches’ regulation applies.

LEABURG LAKE: trout

Leaburg Lake is closed to angling until April 27, 2013.

MCKENZIE RIVER below Leaburg Lake: trout, salmon, steelhead

Only adipose fin-clipped trout may be taken down to Hayden Bridge. No trout harvest is allowed below Hayden Bridge. Note that a new regulation went into effect in 2013 allowing only the use of artificial flies or lures between Hayden Bridge and Hendricks Bridge unless targeting salmon or steelhead with hooks 5/8-inch gap or larger during the period May 1 – June 15.

MCKENZIE RIVER above Leaburg Lake: trout, steelhead

The McKenzie River above Leaburg Lake is closed to angling until April 27, 2013.

MIDDLE FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER above Hills Creek Reservoir: trout

The Middle Fork Willamette River above Hills Creek Reservoir is closed to angling until April 27, 2013.

MT HOOD POND: trout

Stocked the week of April 15 with 1,000 legal-sized rainbow trout. This release is in addition to the early January of rainbow trout brood stock ranging from 7 to 15 pounds. Anglers are reminded the bag limit on trout 20 inches and longer is one per day. Mt. Hood Pond, located on the Mt. Hood Community College campus in Gresham, is now open to all licensed and juvenile angler since the restriction limiting access to anglers 17 and under as well as those in possession of ODFW’s Disabled Angler Permit applies April 1 through Aug. 31.

NORTH AND SOUTH SANTIAM: steelhead, trout

Flow levels have stabilized recently and are currently at 2,570 cfs at Mehama on the North Santiam and 3,120 cfs at Waterloo on the South Santiam with water temperatures generally in the upper 40s. Anglers report some success catching steelhead between Packsaddle and Mehama on the North Santiam and below Foster on the South Santiam. The new crop of summer steelhead have begun to show up at Willamette Falls with 1,589 fish entering the ladder as of April 11. A few fresh summer steelhead (82 fish as of April 11) have already shown up at Foster as well. Winter steelhead migrating above Willamette Falls remain below average with 4,272 fish counted as of April 11. When the ‘bite’ is on, bobbers and jigs are the preferred angling method with spoons and egg clusters also being effective. A few hundred winter steelhead have passed above Stayton on the North Santiam and 123 fish have entered the Foster dam fish trap on the South Santiam so far.

River levels best for fishing are below 3,000 cfs at the Mehama gauge. You may check for current conditions at http://waterdata.usgs.gov.

CAUTION: We received a report of a downed tree obstructing the Lower Bennett dam boat slide on the North Santiam at Stayton. Boaters are advised to use the south channel and the boat slide on Upper Bennett dam to get past that section of the river. The section between Shelburn and Green’s Bridge remains hazardous for boaters because of downed trees and multiple side channels. Better bets are the floats below Green’s Bridge and above Stayton when conditions improve.

PROGRESS LAKE: trout, brown bullhead

Stocked the week of March 11 and 1,000 legal-sized rainbow trout. This is a 4-acre pond next to the Progress Ridge Town Center in Beaverton, Oregon. The pond is an old rock pit and has a maximum depth of 54 feet. There is a sidewalk, fishing platform and viewing platform on one side of the lake. The lake is owned by Tualatin Hills Parks and Rec. Boating and swimming are prohibited on this lake.

ROARING RIVER POND: trout

This is a small one acre pond in Roaring River County Park near ODFW’s Roaring River fish hatchery. To get there, drive highway 226 east out of Albany and turn right onto Fish Hatchery Road and continue for about 7 miles. Park is on the right. It will be stocked this week with 160 legal and 20 larger-sized rainbow trout.

SALMON CREEK: trout

Salmon Creek, near Oakridge, is open to catch-and-release fishing using artificial flies and lures.

SALT CREEK: trout

Salt Creek is a tributary to the Middle Fork Willamette River east of Oakridge, and is open to catch-and-release fishing using artificial flies and lures.

SANDY RIVER: winter steelhead, summer steelhead

The Sandy River summer steelhead fishery has picked up lately with decent catches seen from Revenue down to Lewis and Clark while fishing for winters has begun to wind down. It’s still very early to expect spring chinook to show up in numbers on the Sandy.

Tuesday hydrological data for the Sandy River has flows falling to 2,660 cfs, a gauge reading of 10.03 ft and the water temperature near 41°.

SANTIAM RIVER NORTH FORK above Detroit Lake: trout

This beautiful section of the river closed for trout fishing as of Oct. 31, 2012 and will re-open April 27, 2013. Also, please be aware that this section of river above Detroit Lake is closed to salmon fishing. Weather permitting, you may find this highway route to be an excellent family outing for simply enjoying nature.

SCOUT LAKE: trout

Hwy. 30 toward Clatskanie; take the Swedetown Rd. exit; follow Swedetown Rd. about a quarter of a mile to Olson Rd. Turn right onto Olson Rd. Follow Scout Lake signs posted along Olson Road about three miles to locked gate. From there hike in about a mile to the lake or sign out a key to the gate from the City of Clatskanie at 95 S. Nehalem and drive in. For more information, contact the City of Clatskanie at 503-728-2622.

SHERIDAN POND: trout

Will be stocked this week with 1,000 legal-sized rainbow trout. Sheridan Pond is a 2 1/2-acre pond located on the edge of town. It provides excellent access for families and kids. Good parking. From Hwy. 18, take exit 33 to Balston Rd., turn right and left to the pond.

SILVER CREEK RESERVOIR: trout, catfish

Stocked the week of April 15 with 2,100 legal-sized rainbow trout. This is a 65-acre reservoir on Silver Creek 2.5 miles south of Silverton on Hwy. 214.

SMITH RESERVOIR: trout

Smith Reservoir is north of Trail Bridge Reservoir and is accessed by turning off Hwy 126 at Trail Bridge Reservoir and following FS Road 730 north to Smith Dam. The reservoir is not visible from the highway and is open to year-around fishing.

SOUTH FORK YAMHILL RIVER: rainbow trout, cutthroat trout

Closed to angling on Oct. 1.

ST. LOUIS PONDS: trout, bass, crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, channel catfish

ODFW will host a Family Fishing Event at the ponds on Sunday, April 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Staff and volunteer instructors will be on hand to help inexperienced anglers learn how to rig and use their gear. The department will loan out rods, reels and tackle to anyone who needs it, on a first-come first-served basis. The ponds are located west of I-5 about 15 miles north of Salem and 2 miles West of Gervais. From Gervais, take St Louis Rd west to Tesch Lane, turn left onto Tesch Lane and follow road into the St. Louis Ponds public fishing area.

SUNNYSIDE PARK POND: trout, bass, bluegill

This 4-acre pond is located 2 miles above the upper end of Foster Reservoir. Since the beginning of the year, this family-friendly pond has been stocked with 1,650 trout ranging from larger-size to 2.5 pound brooders. It will be stocked again this week with 500 legal and 25 larger size rainbow trout. Sunnyside Pond also offers bluegill and largemouth bass year round. The park has a campground and picnic area and is a great place to take kids fishing. There is boat ramp access to the Middle Fork arm of Foster Reservoir. To get there from I5, take US 20 through the town of Sweet Home and continue around Foster Reservoir to Quartzville Creek road. Take a left and follow this road for two miles to the park.

TIMBER-LINN LAKE: trout

This beautiful, family-friendly fishing pond is located within the 90-acre Timber-Linn Memorial Park in Albany. Within the last couple of months, the lake has been stocked with 1,500 ‘larger’ trout and nearly 200 heavyweight brooders. It will be stocked again this week with 250 legal and 25 larger-size rainbow trout. Please keep in mind that only one fish over 20 inches may be taken per day. Timber-Linn Lake can be reached by turning east off I-5 onto the Santiam Highway (Hwy. 20), then immediately turning north onto Price Road and proceeding to the park entrance.

TRAIL BRIDGE RESERVOIR: trout

Trail Bridge Reservoir is open to year-round angling. Only adipose fin-clipped trout may be harvested from Trail Bridge Reservoir. Flies and lures only may be used. Trail Bridge Reservoir is adjacent to Hwy 126 and is approximately 60 miles east of Springfield. Only adipose fin-clipped trout may be harvested from Trail Bridge Reservoir. Flies and lures only may be used. Trail Bridge Reservoir is adjacent to Hwy 126 and is approximately 60 miles east of Springfield.

TROJAN PONDS: trout, warmwater species

Stocked the week of April 15 with 5,000 legal-sized rainbow trout. This is a 15-acre lake just east of Rainier on the north side of Hwy 30 at the Trojan nuclear facility.

WALLING POND: trout, crappie, bass

In recent weeks, Walling Pond has received over 2,200 trout ranging in size from legals to multi-pound brooders. It was stocked last week with 400 legal and 50 larger size rainbow trout. As a reminder, brooders are considered trout so zone regulations apply: five trout daily may be kept and only one may be over 20 inches The pond is located within the Salem city limits west of I-5. Take Turner Road off Mission Street.

WALTER WIRTH LAKE: trout, crappie, bass

Since the first of the year, this pond has received several stockings totaling over 8,000 fish providing anglers an opportunity to catch trout of all sizes, from legal 8-inch trout to whoppers over 10 pounds. It will be stocked again this week with 2,200 legal and 150 larger size rainbow trout. As a reminder, brooders are considered trout so zone regulations apply: five trout daily may be kept and only one over 20 inches. This wheelchair accessible lake is located just east of Salem within Cascade Gateway Park, west of I-5 at Hwy. 22. Take Airport Rd. or Turner Rd. to reach the lake.

WAVERLY POND: trout, bluegill, catfish

Since the beginning of the year, Waverly Pond has received 2,500 trout ranging in size from ‘larger’ to trophies. It will be stocked again this week with 750 legal and 50 larger-size rainbow trout. Please be aware, only one fish over 20 inches may be kept. Here is an excellent in-town fishing opportunity. From I-5 take exit 234 west towards Albany. The pond, located a quarter mile down the Pacific Boulevard and on the right, will be found in a beautiful park-like setting.

WEST SALISH POND: panfish, trout

The Salish Ponds Wetlands Park has been closed by the City of Fairview as an extensive renovation project is underway. This project is running well behind schedule so ODFW will likely not be stocking West Salish Pond again until fall of 2013.

WILLAMETTE RIVER: winter steelhead, spring chinook, summer steelhead

Winter steelhead passage over Willamette Falls has maintained its slow yet steady pace but continues to track at about 50 percent of the previous ten year average. Through April 15 a total of 4,308 winter steelhead passed upstream while the summer steelhead number has reached 1,737. Spring chinook passage slowed last week when flows came up and the water temperature fell but things should improve as the water warms and drops. Through April 15 a total of 551 springers have passed at the ladder.

Angling effort for springers saw a big jump last weekend, which is expected as as the season kicks into high gear. The overall catch rates also increased with some fairly decent checks by ODFW from Bayport to Oregon City. The best catch seemed to come from the Sellwood area, through the Portland Harbor and on down to the head of Multnomah Channel. A few springers were also finally showing up in the Oregon City fishery along with an occasional fish along the bank at Meldrum Bar.

Hydro readings at Willamette Falls on April 16 show flows falling significantly at 18,300 cfs, visibility improved to 5.5 ft., with the water temperature holding steady at 50°.